Port Quebec (Canada) reported a strong 2022 cruise season after welcoming 92000+ tourists.
From the April-November season, Port Quebec welcomed a total of 28 cruise ships from 23 lines on 96 port calls. This year saw maiden calls to Quebec for 8 cruise ships, including NCL Norwegian Pearl, HAL's ms Nieuw Statendam, Viking Octantis, Vantage Cruise Line’s Ocean Explorer, Ponant’s Le Dumont-d’Urville and Le Bellot, Ambassador Cruise Line’s Ambience, and Peace Boat’s Zenith.
Of the 133,000 cruise passengers stepping onto Quebec City’s docks, ~41,000 were crew and 92,000 were tourists.
Port's CEO Mario Girard said they were very pleased with the positive outcome for the international cruise season - the first in 2 years.
"The successful resumption is largely attributable to the exceptional efforts of all stakeholders involved, whose commitment and collaboration have helped offer visitors a memorable experience. The Port of Quebec continues to stand out as a choice destination for major international cruise lines, generating a significant impact to the tourist industry.”
The cruise port expanded its cruise offerings in 2022 with the completion of the Coast Guard wharf 92, which had been under renovation for 10 years. Its location at the foot of Petit-Champlain quarter, one of Quebec’s most picturesque areas, makes it a perfect location to dock - 3 cruise ships called there this season.
Also in 2022, the port utilized its new Terminal 30, which boasts the capability to receive 2,500+ passengers at a time.
According to Robert Mercure (Destination Quebec's Director), international cruises were a major tourism asset for their region, which was introduced via one of its crown jewels: the Saint Lawrence River.
"With the closing of this tourist season, we can be proud of this year’s results, not only for the traffic generated, but also for the efforts made to further spread the tourist flow over the territory. That is why we are continuing the efforts already underway to responsibly help develop the international cruise industry.”